UFC Fight Night 37 Predictions

The UFC will be in London, England this weekend for UFC Fight Night 37 at the O2 Arena. If you’re living in North America this will be another early event like last weekend, but if you’re already across the pond like Will I’m sure you’re happy you won’t be up all night.

My Best Bets for UFC Fight Night 37

• Gustafsson vs. Manuwa to Start Round Three –110 (5Dimes)

Alexander Gustafsson (15-2) is a huge favorite over Jimi Manuwa (14-0) in the main event on Saturday. Manuwa has won all three of his UFC fights by TKO (Kingsbury, Diabate & Jimmo), but Gustafsson has never been KO’ed and he has shown he can take a punch.

Gustafsson will be giving up 3’’ in the reach department and I think he’ll be patient knowing that Manuwa has knockout power every time he swings. Manuwa has never been to the 3^rd round of a fight in his career, but I expect this one to go to decision.

• Guillard vs. Johnson Over 1.5 Rounds –140 (BetDSI)

Melvin Guillard (31-12-2) and Michael Johnson (14-8) should put on a good fight in the co-main event. On paper Johnson comes into this fight with an edge, but Guillard is a veteran. Most handicappers see this fight being a stand-up battle, which I agree with.

However, a lot like an early knockout in this fight and I don’t see it. I expect both fighters to keep this fight standing, but I don’t think we’ll see a reckless brawl. Guillard has been KO’ed once while Johnson never has. I like this fight lasting until at least the final round.

• Cyrille Diabate –102 (SportBet) vs. Ilir Latifi

Cyrille Diabate (19-9-1) comes into this fight against Ilir Latifi (7-3) with a 7’’ height and 7.5’’ reach advantage. That will be difficult to overcome. Latifi lost his UFC debut to Mousasi and he was unable to get inside much. He lost the striking battle 80-18 in that fight.

Diabate isn’t on the same level as Mousasi, but he’s an active striker that will keep Latifi at a distance. Diabate averages 4.27 SLpM in the cage and he connects at a 72% clip. He also only absorbs 1.87 strikes per minute. Look for Diabate to win this by decision.

• Omari Akhmedov +269 (SportBet) vs. Gunnar Nelson

Gunnar Nelson (11-0-1) is a highly regarded prospect with a 2-0 record in the UFC, but he hasn’t fought in over a year. He recovered from a knee injury, but how will he look in his return? I feel the market has priced him up way too high in what’s a close fight.

His Russian opponent, Omari Akhmedov (12-1), is 1-0 in the UFC and looked good in his debut. Akhmedov has raw power whereas Nelson is much more technical. When both fighters are standing Akhmedov has the power to end the fight quickly.

I haven’t bet on any parlays yet for this card, as I don’t trust the big favorites to all come through on the card. Gustafsson worries me a bit and I don’t even trust Brad Pickett in his fight against newcomer Neil Seery, as Pickett has really struggled in the cage at times.